The Gambian government has initiated urgent plans to airlift its citizens from conflict zones in the Middle East, following intensified fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that after monitoring the deteriorating situation in Beirut and other areas, it has started the process of evacuating Gambians stranded in Lebanon.
The Ministry has called on all Gambians in Lebanon to contact the Migration Directorate in Banjul or the Honorary Consulate General in Beirut for assistance, providing their passports and contact details for immediate processing.
The decision comes as Lebanon has been heavily impacted by airstrikes and ground offensives launched by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in response to hostilities with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Kenya and other African nations, including Gambia, are also organizing evacuations of their nationals from the region.
Though many Africans in Lebanon, including Gambian students and workers, are being abandoned by fleeing employers, no casualties have been reported within the African community. Sierra Leonean nationals, however, have voiced concerns over being stranded in Lebanon and feeling neglected by their government.
